JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Climate-related disasters increasingly affect community health, healthcare access, and disaster preparedness, particularly in disaster-prone Gulf Coast communities. Although climate dashboards have expanded access to environmental data, many function primarily as static repositories with limited integration of health data or operational decision-support capabilities.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify stakeholder-informed design priorities and implementation considerations for a climate and health dashboard to support disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and community decision-making.

Methods:

We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with seven multisector stakeholders representing academic research, community-based organizations, public health, emergency preparedness, and disaster recovery settings in Houston, Texas. Interviews explored current use of climate and health data, desired dashboard features, usability considerations, data integration needs, and sustainability priorities. Transcripts were analyzed using the Rapid and Rigorous Qualitative Data Analysis (RADaR) technique.

Results:

Participants emphasized that dashboards should function as actionable decision-support tools rather than static data repositories. Key priorities included integration of climate, health, infrastructure, and social vulnerability data; interactive mapping and multilayer visualization capabilities; granular geographic targeting; AI-enabled interpretation and plain-language summaries; and tools supporting both community and research users. Participants also highlighted the importance of community co-design, trusted dissemination, accessibility, and sustained infrastructure support. Stakeholders identified potential use cases including emergency preparedness, targeted outreach during disasters, resource allocation, policy advocacy, and community education.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that effective climate and health dashboards require not only technical functionality, but also community-centered design, operational usability, and sustainable implementation infrastructure. These findings may inform development of future digital public health tools designed to support equitable disaster preparedness and response.